Ocala News
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES RETURNS IN 2021
10 free concerts each Friday, April 16 – June 25, at Webb Field
OCALA, Fla. (March 11, 2021) – The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with the City of Ocala was awarded the Levitt AMP [Your City] grant to host a fourth consecutive year, however, the series was postponed in 2020 due to safety measures for COVID-19. Staff worked with the Levitt Foundation and artists from the 2020 lineup to bring back the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series in 2021.
The series will return April 16 to June 25 (excluding May 28 for Memorial Day), 7 to 9 p.m. and features ten free, family-friendly concerts to the public every Friday night. Concerts will take place at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex located at 1510 NW Fourth Street. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will move indoors to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, which now features improved acoustics and sound absorption through the installation of a functional art piece called “Patchwork Parable.”
The series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber talent spanning a variety of musical genres. Each concert will also spotlight a local non-profit organization, that will conduct a special activity or performance during the intermission. Food will be available for purchase at each concert. Blankets and chairs are encouraged. The series will also reflect safety measures through socially distanced seating areas across the field. Sanitation stations and procedures to sanitize high-touch areas will take place throughout the series. Stay tuned for the full lineup release.
“The activation of Webb Field through the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series has brought investment to the surrounding historic neighborhoods and is catalyst to creating one of the city’s three cultural arts hubs on the west side of Ocala,” said Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Head Continue reading
The City of Ocala will host a grand opening for the Ocala Wetland recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st Street, Friday, April 2, 10 a.m.
The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park allows the City of Ocala to efficiently use its water resources. By developing this park, the City of Ocala Water Resources department helped to create a wetland ecosystem, improvement of water quality, boost regional groundwater supplies, and provide educational opportunities for all ages and stages.
This event is free and open to the public. Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain proper physical distancing of six feet apart. For guests unable to attend in person the grand opening will be livestreamed via the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Facebook Page.
For more information about the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park visit wetlandpark.ocalafl.org or call 352-351-6772.
The Parade of Senior Services was held at the College of Central Florida. Over 30 agencies were available to provide literature and answer your questions about programs and services for seniors in Marion County. The Event was free and was put on by the Ocala Recreation and Parks.
Face covers are required, I ask while taking several picture for the people to temporarily take off their mask. Capacity was be limited to allow for social distancing.
A Banyan Residence open house Ribbon Cutting by Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce. Pictured of the owners in from left Blake, Brandon Anderson and Greg Anderson on the right, the lady standing in the back ground in the red jacket was mayor Ruth Kussard. Many questions were being ask during the many tours so we thought we would do a question and answer story.
- Let me tell you about A Banyan Residence. What services are available at the facility?
- A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care resort that is owned and operated by the founding family. Our family started in assisted living and memory care in 1998 with a unique concept that emphasized an independent and outdoor lifestyle that we’ve built into our design here in The Villages area. By dedicating three full acres to botanical butterfly gardens, waterfall koi fish ponds, walking paths, gazebos, and the like, we find seniors are able to relax peacefully in a home-like and comfortable environment. We also offer a giant clubhouse full of amenities to keep residents active from sun up to sun down. We have amenities such as a movie theater, hair salon, physical fitness gym, ice cream parlor, bistro, crafts room, library, and a state-of-the-art sensory room showing off cutting edge technology geared for senior living.
Beyond the building design itself, we are staffed and trained to provide any necessary assistance to keep our residents independent for as long as possible while still making sure their daily needs are met. Our custom culinary program is designed to provide exquisite meals that would go unrivaled in the industry. Our enrichment program keeps seniors of all types stimulated, active, and social with both on-campus daily events but also in the community, such as attending polo matches, live concerts, restaurant openings, and so on. Finally, our care program allows for seniors to rely on our staff to bridge the gap physically and mentally to achieve independence in their day-to-day lives while maintaining dignity and integrity. Continue reading
Friday, March 26, 2021 | 6 – 9:30 p.m.
“Viva la vida!” Join us at the Tuscawilla Art Park for an After Dark in the Park showing of the motion picture “Frida”, a biographical film about the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Enjoy a live musical performance by Mariachi Orlando Internacional, The Mamas and the Tapas food truck, cash bar, artisan vendors, movie concessions, and more!
This event is open to the public and admission is free. Bring your chairs and blankets as we create a beautiful outdoor theater under the stars, amongst sculptures and backdrop of historic Ocala Union Station. The Tuscawilla Art Park Series is sponsored by TriEagle Sales. Stay informed about event updates by RSVPing on Facebook. https://www.ocalafl.org/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fevents%2f3777823658935727&____isexternal=true
*This movie is rated R, children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. View discretion is advised.





